Three federal staff fired at Cape Cod Nationwide Seashore: ‘We’re actually involved in regards to the lack of staffing’

The Cape Cod Nationwide Seashore, like many nationwide parks all throughout the nation, is going through employees cuts because the Trump administration fires 1000’s of federal staff.

Three full-time staff on the nationwide seashore — the park archeologist, ecologist and the ranger in command of park outreach — have been fired forward of the Cape’s busy season as thousands and thousands of tourists descend upon the area.

These three probationary staff are among the many 1,000 Nationwide Park Service staff who have been let go by the Trump administration.

In the meantime, there are 10 different vacant positions on the nationwide seashore that doubtless gained’t get crammed, and advocates say they’re nervous in regards to the potential to rent seasonal employees members.

“The Friends are deeply concerned about the impact the firings as well as vacant fulltime positions will have on the park, the towns that are part of the park, and the Cape Cod community from the bridges to Provincetown,” the board of The Mates of the Cape Cod Nationwide Seashore stated in a press release.

“The unprecedented terminations of staff working for the National Park Service threatens the health and safety of our own beloved National Seashore,” the board added. “The cuts may do great harm to this remarkable natural and cultural resource in the coming months and years, affecting not only the park but also our region.”

The Nationwide Parks Conservation Affiliation is asking for the 1,000 probationary staff to get their jobs again.

“This is their dream job,” stated Kristen Sykes, the Northeast regional director for the Nationwide Parks Conservation Affiliation, noting that most of the staff labored for years as seasonal employees at parks all around the nation earlier than getting a full-time place.

“They’re experts in their field, and make sure the parks are protected in perpetuity,” she instructed the Herald.

The advocacy group can also be involved in regards to the parks’ potential to rent seasonal employees, notably on the Cape.

“Seasonal workers do so many different jobs, whether it’s cleaning the bathrooms, whether it’s making sure people are safe as lifeguards ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of parkgoers,” Sykes stated.

“We’re really concerned about the lack of staffing, and really for people to be able to have a good experience when they visit our National Parks,” she added.

A Nationwide Park Service spokesperson didn’t touch upon the Cape Cod layoffs.

The spokesperson in a press release stated NPS is hiring seasonal staff to “continue enhancing the visitor experience as we embrace new opportunities for optimization and innovation in workforce management.”

“We are focused on ensuring that every visitor has the chance to explore and connect with the incredible, iconic spaces of our national parks,” the spokesperson added.